Tips and Tricks of playing a Kendama

What is a Kendama?

(Wikipedia) Kendama is a traditional Japanese toy. The ken has three cups and a spike which fits into the hole in the ball. Basic Kendama tricks consist of catching the ball in the cups and on the spike. More advanced tricks such as the airplane require you to hold the ball and land the spike in the hole on the ball.

Jason Kao is the best Kendama Player in the world and have won 2 tournaments to date.

Well Balanced Kendama

Kendama Rules

To play with a kendama, one holds the toy, and pulls the ball upward so that it may either be caught in one of the cups or land with the hole on the spike. More advanced tricks include sequential balances, juggles, and catches. There are eleven prescribed moves on the kendama trick list for achieving a kyu ranking and several more for a dan ranking. A 10-kyu rating (the lowest beginner grade) is attained by simply catching the ball in the largest cup.

Jump to Spike (Tomeken)

Kendama Swing In Steps

Ok, seems like you have mastered the “Jump to Spike (Tomeken)” and “Swing In” Kendama techniques. Ready to take on new challenges?

Swirl Kendama Trick

Stunt Plane Kendama Trick

Turntable Kendama Trick

Ready to start your Kendama Journey?

eBay and Amazon is a trusted place to purchase your first Kendama and start practising to reach the rank of expert level.